The more space you provide the happier your guinea pigs will be. Absorbent guinea pig bedding: Kiln-dried pine shavings, paper bedding, or fleece are a few suitable options to choose from. It is recommended that you change guinea pig bedding at least once a week but every three to four days is better.
Provide materials to chew on: In order to stay healthy, guinea pigs need to keep their teeth ground down. Therefore, make sure that you buy your guinea pig chew toys or pet-safe wood blocks. Do not allow females to become pregnant: The pregnancy and birthing process is hard on female guinea pigs.
In fact, one in five females that are bred will die as a result of complications during pregnancy or birth. Locate a good veterinarian: It is important that you be proactive and find a good vet before your guinea pig has a medical issue.
Even though guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you bring them to a veterinarian at least once a year. Physical and mental stimulation is vital to keep your guinea pig healthy, as is daily interaction with you and other guinea pigs. Need a few ideas for some games you can play with your guinea pigs?
We have some great suggestions right here. Often described as spuddy buddies or furry potatoes, guinea pigs can go from fab to flab pretty quickly. Always make sure you are feeding your cavy specially formulated nuggets and healthy treats , along with fresh vegetables. Fruits, while delicious, should be limited as many have high sugar content and can quickly lead to your guinea pig becoming overweight. Whether your guinea pigs live outdoors or inside, they must be kept in an area with moderate temperatures.
If a guinea pig gets too hot in direct sunlight, it can quickly overheat and die, and if it is too cold, it is susceptible to pneumonia. You should also make sure your cavy is never wet for extended periods of time. Cavies are very social animals and should always be kept in groups of two or more. A guinea pig on its own can and will experience boredom, depression and even behavioural issues.
Find out more about loneliness in guinea pigs in t his article. We recommend finding a veterinarian that understands the physical and emotional needs of a cavy.
And remember to book regular check-ups so that any underlying health issues can be flagged and treated as quickly as possible. Of all the pocket pets, guinea pigs live the longest, which means owning one is a long term commitment. Daily interaction, regular vet visits and time spent grooming your cavy is the order of the day and what being a responsible piggy owner is all about.
While it may sound like a lot of work, the rewards are worth every moment. Ask anyone who has ever seen their content cavy wheek or popcorn with delight. Your email address will not be published.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This can be provided as a water additive which must be replaced every day or in the form of vegetables that are high in Vitamin C. Guinea pigs also need constant access to grass hay, which serves as a source of fiber that aids their digestion.
Finally, guinea pigs should be offered a variety of vegetables, which provide both additional fiber and nutrients. Can guinea pigs eat grapes? Five popular guinea pig breeds: Which breed suits you best? Guinea pigs do best when housed in a quiet area, away from a lot of activity. Their enclosure should be in a location that is free of drafts and away from direct sunlight.
Aquariums do not allow for appropriate ventilation. Instead, an enclosure with open wire or plastic sides should be used. The enclosure should be approximately 30 x 36 inches in size for a single guinea pig, although a larger enclosure is always better.
Also, it is best to provide an enclosure with a solid floor that is covered in soft bedding or shavings. Grates or wire floors can lead to a number of skin and foot issues in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair.
Making a homemade cage is very easy, though, and since guinea pigs are a good size and not escape artists, a homemade cage is a great option. Guinea pigs make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention.
Though generally not loud enough to annoy the neighbors, a wheeking guinea pig can be surprisingly loud. If you're looking for an animal whose vocals will never interrupt a dinner party or afternoon nap, a guinea pig might not be for you. While guinea pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling, they usually become tame very easily.
Careful handling is a must, and children should be supervised with them, but they are unlikely to bite even when stressed. Guinea pigs are one of the few animals humans are another that cannot manufacture their own vitamin C , so they need to get it from their diet. Choosing a good quality diet and providing a variety of fresh foods and roughage is important, but most owners choose to also give their animals a vitamin C supplement.
Vitamin C tablets are considered a better way to supplement than adding vitamin C to your pet's water. Before heading out to buy a guinea pig, check with your local shelters or rescues for guinea pigs in need of a new home. Many guinea pigs end up at shelters and are in need of a second chance at a forever home.
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